Cedar Shakes vs Asphalt Shingles
Natural wood beauty vs affordable reliability. A complete cost, durability, and maintenance comparison for your roofing decision.
CEDAR SHAKES
$8.00 – $16.00
per sq ft installed
Lifespan
30–50 years
Maintenance
High
Insulation
R-0.87/inch
Fire Rating
Class B/C
Best for: Natural aesthetic priority, moderate climates, maintenance-ready owners
ASPHALT
BEST VALUE
$3.50 – $7.00
per sq ft installed
Lifespan
15–30 years
Maintenance
Low
Insulation
R-0.44/inch
Fire Rating
Class A
Best for: Budget-focused, low maintenance, fire safety, widest contractor availability
Interactive
Compare Lifecycle Cost: Cedar vs Asphalt
Asphalt Shingles
1 replacement(s)
$30,000
$1,000/year
Metal Roof
No replacement needed
$25,500
$850/year
Tile Roof
No replacement needed
$38,000
$1,267/year
Head-to-Head Comparison
| Feature | Cedar Shakes | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Installed Cost | $8.00 – $16.00/sq ft | $3.50 – $7.00/sq ft |
| Lifespan | 30 – 50 years | 15 – 30 years |
| Maintenance | High (regular treatment) | Low |
| Insulation Value | R-0.87 per inch | R-0.44 per inch |
| Fire Rating | Class B or C (untreated) | Class A |
| Wind Resistance | Up to 110 mph | Up to 130 mph |
| Eco-Friendly | Yes (renewable, biodegradable) | No (petroleum, landfill waste) |
| Appearance | Natural, textured, ages to silver-gray | Uniform, wide color range |
Pros & Cons
Cedar Shakes
Advantages
- ✓Stunning natural aesthetics — silver-gray patina
- ✓Nearly 2x the insulating value of asphalt
- ✓30–50 year lifespan with proper care
- ✓Renewable, sustainably harvested, biodegradable
- ✓Natural oils repel insects and resist decay
Disadvantages
- ✗2–3x more expensive for materials and labor
- ✗Treatment every 3–5 years ($1,000–$3,000 each)
- ✗Fire risk — prohibited in many wildfire zones
- ✗Can split, curl, warp, and rot without care
- ✗Fewer specialist contractors available
Asphalt Shingles
Advantages
- ✓Lowest cost per sq ft of any mainstream material
- ✓No treatments or periodic applications needed
- ✓Class A fire rating on all modern shingles
- ✓Every contractor installs asphalt
- ✓Architectural styles mimic wood and slate looks
Disadvantages
- ✗Shorter 15–30 year lifespan
- ✗Petroleum-based, significant landfill waste
- ✗Dark shingles absorb heat, increase cooling costs
- ✗Cannot replicate genuine wood character
Cost Breakdown (2,000 sq ft roof)
| Component | Cedar Shakes | Asphalt Shingles |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $6,000 – $14,000 | $3,000 – $6,000 |
| Labor | $10,000 – $18,000 | $4,000 – $8,000 |
| Total Installed | $16,000 – $32,000 | $7,000 – $14,000 |
| 30-Year Maintenance | $6,000 – $18,000 | $500 – $2,000 |
Calculate your shingle needs with our Shingle Calculator or estimate total project cost with the Roof Replacement Cost Calculator.
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Cedar Shakes If...
- →Natural wood aesthetic is a top priority
- →Willing to invest in regular maintenance
- →Local codes permit wood roofing
- →Moderate climate without extreme humidity/fire risk
- →Natural insulation is important
Choose Asphalt If...
- →Budget is a primary concern
- →You prefer low-maintenance roofing
- →Fire resistance is critical (wildfire area)
- →Maximum contractor availability matters
- →Rental property or selling within 15 years
Frequently Asked Questions
Can asphalt shingles look like cedar?
Architectural asphalt shingles with wood-tone colors and textured profiles can approximate the cedar look from a distance. Brands like GAF Timberline and Owens Corning Duration offer "cedar" and "driftwood" colorways. However, they cannot match the depth and texture of real wood up close.
Are cedar shakes banned in some areas?
Yes. Many municipalities in California, Colorado, and other wildfire-prone states restrict or prohibit wood roofing, even with fire-retardant treatment. Always check local building codes before committing to cedar. See our building code requirements reference.
How often do cedar shakes need maintenance?
Every 3–5 years, cedar shakes should be cleaned, inspected for splits or curling, and treated with a preservative/water-repellent. In humid climates, annual moss and mildew cleaning may be necessary. Budget $1,000–$3,000 per maintenance cycle.
Which is better for resale value?
In neighborhoods where cedar is the norm (Pacific Northwest, mountain communities), a well-maintained cedar roof adds significant value. In most suburban areas, buyers prefer the lower maintenance of asphalt. The best choice depends on local market expectations.